The Quest for the Trilogy: Boneslicer; Seaspray; Deathwhisper Read Online Free PDF Page A

took Juhg by surprise. “He never mentioned it to me.”
    â€œWick has lived … an adventurous life. Quite contrary to a normal dweller’s desires.” Craugh puffed on his pipe and a dreadful dragon sailed in full attack in the clouds dappling the tavern ceiling. Several nearby patrons sat in frozen astonishment, then carefully—quietly—left their seats and departed. “I’m sure he didn’t tell you everything.”
    â€œI’ve read everything he wrote.”
    â€œPerhaps he didn’t write about everything he witnessed.”
    Juhg shook his head immediately. “That wasn’t his way. He taught me the importance of keeping a journal.” Reaching into his robes, he took out a journal he’d made himself.
    After placing the journal on the table, he flipped through the pages and revealed the images and words he’d wrought over the last few days. Images of Shark’s Maw Cove, the meeting hall, the principal attendees he’d met, as well as plants, structures, and animals that had caught his curious eye all filled the pages amid notes and monographs.
    â€œThis is just the bare beginning of this book, though,” Juhg said. “I’ve been working on a more finished one on board Moonsdreamer .” He closed the book and put it away. “The Grandmagister kept a record of everything .”
    â€œSo he did. Which leads us to the conclusion that you haven’t read everything Wick wrote.”
    â€œImpossible.”
    Saying nothing, the wizard reached inside his traveling cloak, took out a fat book, and dropped it with a thump onto the table. “Have you read this?”
    Juhg recognized Grandmagister Lamplighter’s handiwork immediately. The Grandmagister had always been very exact when he built a journal to record his adventures. This one had a lacquered finish over maple stained deep red that would be proof against impact and water.
    Opening the book, Juhg found the Grandmagister’s hand upon the pages. Juhg knew his mentor’s style instantly from the Qs. Grandmagister Lamplighter had the most beautiful Qs of any Librarian.
    Several of the pages, though, showed charring. Other pages showed where pinholes had burned through.
    The frontispiece showed an exquisite drawing of One-Eyed Peggie sitting at anchor at the Yondering Docks. Dwarves, one of them barrel-chested Hallekk, stood on the deck working at their chores.

    â€œWhere did you get this?” Juhg asked, astounded.
    â€œAt the Vault. I just came from there.”
    â€œImpossible.”
    â€œYou didn’t know where all Wick’s hiding places were,” Craugh said.
    â€œHe would have told me.”
    â€œThat book that you hold in your hand proves that he didn’t.”
    Juhg couldn’t argue that and didn’t, though he sorely wanted to. “Why wouldn’t he tell me?”
    â€œMaybe he just never got around to it,” the wizard gently suggested.
    Looking at the opening pages, Juhg discovered that he couldn’t read them. “It’s written in code.”
    â€œWick was very careful.”
    Let’s only hope the Grandmagister still is , Juhg fervently hoped. Wherever The Book of Time has taken him .
    â€œCan you read it?” Craugh asked.
    Quickly, Juhg took out his own journal and tried some of the various codes he and the Grandmagister had devised over the years of their adventuring. In short order, the strange symbols became perfectly understandable words.
    â€œYes. It’s written in one of the first codes the Grandmagister taught me.” Excitement filled Juhg at the discovery.
    â€œGood. That proves that he intended to let you know about this book at some date,” Craugh said.
    Relief flooded Juhg. “Why did you bring this book to me?”
    Craugh was silent for a moment, contemplating his response. “Because I can’t read it. I need it translated.”
    â€œYou want me to translate